An equipment operator builds a berm out of snow Wednesday Morning along the Sawmill Creek, Jan. 14, 2026. (Will Steinfeld/Chilkat Valley News)

A recent stretch of cold weather, plus high heating oil prices, has been a recipe for budget crunch, residents say. Borough decision makers, however, disagree on what should be done. 

The issue started in early December with a persistent cold snap. In the weeks since, residents have started to see fuel bills from…

Will Steinfeld is a documentary photographer and reporter in Southeast Alaska, formerly in New England.